Global Atlantic and BEDC Celebrate Innovation and Entrepreneurial Talent at the Second Annual Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition
Global Atlantic Financial Group and the Bermuda Economic Development (BEDC) concluded their Second Annual Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition, celebrating small business innovation in Bermuda. The event, hosted at Hamilton Princess Hotel on November 21st, featured eight finalists competing for $25,000 prizes. Winners included Nico Bean (Youth Category) for Flow by Nico, and three Main Category winners: Dr. Adriene Berkeley (PsyNeu), Jekon Edness & Kian Butterfield (Bermuda Sports Radar), and Ashleigh Simons (Sade Milan Skin). The People's Choice Award of $25,000 went to Keely Trott of NBK School of Nails. The event attracted over 100 in-person attendees and 100 livestream viewers, demonstrating strong community support for local entrepreneurship.
Global Atlantic Financial Group e il Bermuda Economic Development (BEDC) hanno concluso la loro Seconda Annual Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition, celebrando l'innovazione delle piccole imprese alle Bermuda. L'evento, ospitato presso l'Hamilton Princess Hotel il 21 novembre, ha visto otto finalisti competere per premi da $25,000. I vincitori includevano Nico Bean (Categoria Giovani) per Flow di Nico, e tre vincitori della Categoria Principale: Dr. Adriene Berkeley (PsyNeu), Jekon Edness & Kian Butterfield (Bermuda Sports Radar), e Ashleigh Simons (Sade Milan Skin). Il Premio del Pubblico da $25,000 è andato a Keely Trott della NBK School of Nails. L'evento ha attirato oltre 100 partecipanti in persona e 100 spettatori in livestream, dimostrando un forte supporto della comunità per l'imprenditorialità locale.
Global Atlantic Financial Group y el Bermuda Economic Development (BEDC) concluyeron su Segunda Competencia Anual Wave of Opportunity Pitch, celebrando la innovación en pequeñas empresas en las Bermudas. El evento, celebrado en el Hamilton Princess Hotel el 21 de noviembre, contó con ocho finalistas compitiendo por premios de $25,000. Los ganadores incluyeron a Nico Bean (Categoría Juvenil) por Flow de Nico, y tres ganadores de la Categoría Principal: Dr. Adriene Berkeley (PsyNeu), Jekon Edness & Kian Butterfield (Bermuda Sports Radar), y Ashleigh Simons (Sade Milan Skin). El Premio del Público de $25,000 fue para Keely Trott de la NBK School of Nails. El evento atrajo a más de 100 asistentes en persona y 100 espectadores en livestream, demostrando un fuerte apoyo de la comunidad hacia el emprendimiento local.
글로벌 아틀란틱 금융 그룹과 버뮤다 경제 개발 (BEDC)는 버뮤다의 소규모 비즈니스 혁신을 기념하는 제2회 연례 기회 피치 대회를 마쳤습니다. 11월 21일 해밀턴 프린세스 호텔에서 열린 이 행사에서는 8명의 결선 진출자가 25,000달러의 상금을 놓고 경쟁했습니다. 수상자에는 니코 빈 (청소년 부문) Flow by Nico가 포함되었으며, 주요 부문에는 Dr. Adriene Berkeley (PsyNeu), Jekon Edness & Kian Butterfield (Bermuda Sports Radar), Ashleigh Simons (Sade Milan Skin)의 세 명이 선정되었습니다. 대중 투표상 25,000달러는 키리 트로트 (NBK School of Nails)에게 돌아갔습니다. 이번 행사에는 100명 이상의 참석자와 100명의 생중계 시청자가 몰려 지역 기업가정신에 대한 강한 커뮤니티 지원을 보여주었습니다.
Global Atlantic Financial Group et le Bermuda Economic Development (BEDC) ont conclu leur deuxième compétition annuelle Wave of Opportunity Pitch, célébrant l'innovation des petites entreprises aux Bermudes. L'événement, qui s'est tenu à l'Hamilton Princess Hotel le 21 novembre, a présenté huit finalistes concourant pour des prix de 25 000 $. Les gagnants comprenaient Nico Bean (catégorie jeunesse) pour Flow de Nico, et trois gagnants de la catégorie principale : Dr. Adriene Berkeley (PsyNeu), Jekon Edness & Kian Butterfield (Bermuda Sports Radar), et Ashleigh Simons (Sade Milan Skin). Le prix du public de 25 000 $ a été décerné à Keely Trott de la NBK School of Nails. L'événement a attiré plus de 100 participants en personne et 100 spectateurs en direct, montrant un fort soutien de la communauté pour l'entrepreneuriat local.
Global Atlantic Financial Group und das Bermuda Economic Development (BEDC) haben ihren zweiten jährlichen Wave of Opportunity Pitch-Wettbewerb abgeschlossen und dabei die Innovation kleiner Unternehmen in Bermuda gefeiert. Die Veranstaltung fand am 21. November im Hamilton Princess Hotel statt und hatte acht Finalisten, die um Preisgelder von 25.000 $ kämpften. Zu den Gewinnern gehörten Nico Bean (Jugendkategorie) für Flow von Nico und drei Hauptkategorie-Gewinner: Dr. Adriene Berkeley (PsyNeu), Jekon Edness & Kian Butterfield (Bermuda Sports Radar) und Ashleigh Simons (Sade Milan Skin). Der Publikumspreis von 25.000 $ ging an Keely Trott von der NBK School of Nails. Die Veranstaltung zog über 100 Teilnehmer vor Ort und 100 Livestream-Zuschauer an, was die starke Unterstützung der Gemeinschaft für lokale Unternehmertum demonstriert.
- None.
- None.
Hosted by Dr. Teneika Eve on November 21st at the Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club, the competition had more than 100 people in attendance, demonstrating strong support for the eight finalists—five in the main category and three in the youth category—who showcased their innovative business ideas to a distinguished panel of judges.
As part of an effort to expand local engagement, the event was also livestreamed for the first time on the BEDC’s YouTube channel, attracting an audience of 100 viewers. This enabled a wider audience to connect with the competition from home, enhancing accessibility and fostering community support for Bermuda’s emerging entrepreneurs.
The competition showcased some of Bermuda’s brightest small business innovators, with each finalist demonstrating creativity, passion and a clear vision for the future of their business as they pitched before the live panel. The judges for this year’s event were:
-
Youth Category Judges
- Lee Simmons, Deputy Chairman of the Board, BEDC & Senior Relationship Manager, HSBC; Hadleigh Farrer, C.O.O for the Ministry of Finance; Gavin Carter, Gavin's Butter, 2023 Pitch Competition Winner; Makeba Tucker, Senior Analyst, Global Atlantic; and Stephen Lister, VP Institutional Markets Business Strategy, Global Atlantic.
-
Main Category Judges:
-
Daniel Woods, Estates Surveyor at The Government of
Bermuda ; Greg Maybury, Accounting Manager; Kisha Tyrrell, Enzuri Beauty & Wellness, 2023 Pitch Competition Winner; Hitesh Shah, VP, Lead Valuation Actuary, Global Atlantic; and Fortunate Mashiri, AVP, Reinsurance Risk Management, Global Atlantic.
-
Daniel Woods, Estates Surveyor at The Government of
After careful and thoughtful deliberation, the winners, who were each awarded
- Youth Category Winner: Nico Bean, Flow by Nico - Unique acrylic paintings, handcrafted ornaments, and custom-printed notebooks and phone cases.
-
Main Category Winners:
- Dr. Adriene Berkeley, PsyNeu - A mental health practice offering cognitive skill development and emotional wellness services.
- Jekon Edness & Kian Butterfield, Bermuda Sports Radar - OTT sports media company offering live event coverage, highlights, and profiles for local sports fans.
- Ashleigh Simons, Sade Milan Skin - An all-natural intimate skincare brand focusing on self-care and feminine wellness.
In addition to the main awards, the People’s Choice Award was announced, with nearly 400 votes cast by in-person attendees and livestream viewers. An award of
Darryl Herrick, Co-Head of Reinsurance at Global Atlantic and President of Global Atlantic Re Limited, reflected on the evening, stating, “Congratulations to all the participants, finalists and winners, whose ideation and innovative spirit embody the essence of the Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition. It not only highlights the incredible talent of our emerging entrepreneurs but also fosters a sense of community and support throughout the island. I would also like to extend my thanks to the BEDC, and the volunteers, mentors and judges who made this event possible. Together, we are investing in the future of our economy and inspiring the next generation of leaders.”
BEDC Chairman of the Board, Jache Adams, praised the competition, adding, “I am thrilled to see the community come together for this event, which highlights the incredible entrepreneurial spirit in
Erica Smith, Executive Director of BEDC, reflected on the significance of the event and the multi-year partnership, commenting, “The level of talent and innovation at this year’s competition was truly inspiring. Every entrepreneur who pitched showed creativity and a commitment to making a meaningful impact on Bermuda’s economy. The multi-year partnership between BEDC and Global Atlantic underscores the importance of sustained support for Bermuda’s small businesses. We are honored to be part of these entrepreneurs’ journeys as they grow and evolve their ventures. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners—they are paving the way for Bermuda’s future.”
This competition continues to be a cornerstone of the multi-year partnership between BEDC and Global Atlantic, which aims to provide ongoing support to local businesses. Through this collaboration, both organizations are dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship in
With the success of this year’s event, BEDC is already looking forward to next year’s Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition. Entrepreneurs interested in applying for the 2025 competition should stay tuned to BEDC’s website and social media channels for updates and announcements when applications open. For more information and to watch the entire competition, visit BEDC’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@bedcbda. Stay connected for future events and opportunities at www.bedc.bm.
About BEDC
Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) is Bermuda’s premier source of free, confidential business advice for entrepreneurs. The mission is to serve Bermuda’s local business community with the highest degree of professionalism by providing authoritative business advice, counsel, and financial support. Bermuda Business Starts Here! For more information, visit www.bedc.bm.
About Global Atlantic
Global Atlantic Financial Group is a leading insurance company meeting the retirement and life insurance needs of individuals and institutions. With a strong financial foundation and risk and investment management expertise, the company delivers tailored solutions to create more secure financial futures. The company's performance has been driven by its culture and core values focused on integrity, teamwork, and the importance of building long-term client relationships. Global Atlantic is a wholly owned subsidiary of KKR, a leading global investment firm. Through its relationship, the company leverages KKR's investment capabilities, scale and access to capital markets to enhance the value it offers clients. KKR's parent company is KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR).
Global Atlantic Financial Group (Global Atlantic) is the marketing name for The Global Atlantic Financial Group LLC and its subsidiaries. The Global Atlantic Re foundation is dedicated to the promotion of economic development, education and environmental sustainability initiatives throughout
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122418335/en/
For Global Atlantic:
ICR Inc.
GlobalAtlantic@icrinc.com
(203) 682-8268
For BEDC:
Jamillah Lodge, 441-292-5570, jlodge@bedc.bm
Kelsea Williams,441-292-5570, kwilliams@bedc.bm
Source: Global Atlantic Financial Group
FAQ
Who won the 2023 Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition in Bermuda?
How much prize money was awarded at the 2023 Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition?
How many people attended the 2023 Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition?
How many finalists participated in the 2023 Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition?
